In an effort to enhance road safety and foster community involvement, residents of Herne Bay have come together to establish a Community Speedwatch group. Led by Kent County Councillor for Herne Bay East, Dan Watkins, this initiative aims to reduce speeding in residential areas, protect pedestrians, and ensure safer roads for everyone.
What is Community Speedwatch?
Community Speedwatch is a national initiative that empowers local communities to take action against speeding on their streets, and there are dozens of groups operating across Kent’s towns.
It allows residents to monitor traffic speeds in their area with the help of speed detection equipment, in partnership with the police. When vehicles are found to be exceeding speed limits, they are recorded, and a letter is sent to the registered owner to make them aware of the violation. Persistent offenders will face further enforcement action, and the police will use the data generated to set up their own targeted enforcement sessions.
The initiative also helps educate the public, reminding them of the speed limit and the importance of driving safely.
Why Herne Bay?
Many residents in Herne Bay have expressed concern over speeding in their neighbourhood, particularly in residential streets and near schools. The establishment of a Community Speedwatch group represents a direct response to these concerns and a proactive step toward creating safer roads for drivers and pedestrians alike.
The Journey to Setting Up the Group
The idea of starting a Community Speedwatch in Herne Bay came after several discussions in local community meetings, as well as feedback from residents worried about speeding in key areas. Kent Police oversee the initiative, providing guidance on the necessary steps to set up the program, as well as an officer to enforce streets which are identified as having a speeding problem.
Volunteers have been recruited from the community, then undergo training sessions where they learn how to operate the speed detection equipment safely and effectively. Additionally, volunteers were briefed on the rules and regulations surrounding data collection and how to ensure that the initiative adhered to legal and safety standards.
David Cloake is one of the volunteers:
As a local resident, I have been very concerned by the amount and level of speeding on some of our most populated roads in Herne Bay. After seeing the advert for volunteers, I thought I would get involved with Speedwatch to help in the effort to raise awareness of local speed limits and the need for motorists to think about their speed and drive accordingly. Through Speedwatch, I have leant a lot about how this can be achieved through our efforts whilst providing valuable data about speed related issues on our local roads. I’ve met some really great people with a common interest and greatly value the opportunity to get involved!
How the Program Works
Volunteers set up monitoring points in various high-risk areas of Herne Bay. These points include locations near schools, popular pedestrian routes, and roads with a history of speeding incidents. The speed detection devices allow the team to monitor traffic in real-time.
The process is straightforward: volunteers observe and record the speeds of passing vehicles. If a car is detected traveling over the speed limit, the system records the vehicle's registration number, and a letter is sent to the registered owner, reminding them of the speed limits in the area and the importance of road safety. Community Speedwatch has been successful in many other Kent towns, including nearby Whitstable, as it acts as a deterrent and a reminder for drivers to slow down and adhere to speed limits.
Looking Ahead
As the group continues to grow, there are plans to expand the areas being monitored and recruit more volunteers.
For residents of Herne Bay who are interested in getting involved, joining the Community Speedwatch group is simple. All it takes is a willingness to volunteer an hour of time each month to join colleagues recording vehicle speeds. Please contact Dan at [email protected] to register your interest.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Herne Bay Community Speedwatch group is a great example of how local communities can take proactive measures to improve road safety and reduce speeding. With continued community support, the initiative promises to make Herne Bay a quieter and safer town.